A huge shoutout and thank you goes to Arbor Intermediate School fifth-grader Joey Salles for combining hard work and generosity to benefit our community!

Joey has started his own custom card and envelope company called Gold Ribbon Cards, and has made philanthropy a cornerstone of that business. He is donating 20% of all proceeds to The Children’s Hospital at Saint Peter’s University Hospital in New Brunswick.

Joey and his family thoughtfully directed his donation to support The Child Life Program at Saint Peter’s. His gifts provide toys and experiences that bring joy and comfort to young patients, including festive holiday celebrations, therapeutic play activities, birthday surprises, and victories worth celebrating when treatment ends. Through his generosity, Joey is directly impacting the lives of children facing medical challenges.

“Joey's example demonstrates that philanthropy isn't just for adults or corporations – young people can be powerful agents of change when they combine their talents with compassion,” said Emily Lyssikatos of the Saint Peter’s Foundation. “His commitment to giving back teaches his peers an invaluable lesson: that we all have the ability to help others, and that sharing our success makes it more meaningful.”